Welcome to the U15s

Our squad numbers just under 30 players covering all abilities. Players train or play each Sunday throughout the season and training sessions concentrate on basic core skills as well as building an understanding and insight into more specific aspects of the game. We encourage players to train in several positions as this improves their comprehension of the game as a whole.

Enjoyment of both games and training sessions is an overidding priority as this will, it is hoped, ensure their continued involvement in the sport. 

2009 / 2010 Season Summary 

The season started brightly with 26+ players registering and a good first victory in a friendly over Battersea Ironsides.  Further strong wins came including those over Chipstead and Sutton and Epsom, the latter being probably the stand out performance of the season in which the squad managed to score over 40 points to 2 tries against.
 
In the league things were not so bright and in all honesty things never took off.  The fact we took no league points was due to a number of factors, some of which were of our own making others which were not.  The squad suffered several major injuries to key players, players who were laid out for several weeks, some who never made it back on the pitch for the remainder of the season.
 
During these league games , when things were not going well,  it was a challange for players to stay focused and competitive.  Credit must be paid to all those who stuck to the task and never gave up no matter how desperate the cause.
 
On the plus side the team had their first experience of playing under floodlights with a match against a Croydon Schools squad.  Although we went down eventually by 3 tries it was a game and enviornment that was enjoyed by players and spectators alike and something that should be repeated.
 
Throughout the season several players displayed high levels of performance including (and in no particular order),  Dave Ashby, Dylan Modeste, Liam Murphy, George Hervey, Ed Fyfe, Dan Lidiard, Miles Whicher, Sean Rickell, Conor Maloney, Dan Lewis and Kieran Treadwell.  Ronan Mannion dominated throughout the season playing at wing forward and then, with injuries mounting taking on the role of centre - in both positions he excelled and he duly took the Player of The Season award.  James Still took the Most Improved Player award, a tribute to the progress he is making in the game.  Dan Valenti took our Merit Award, his attitude exemplifies all that is great in club rugby.
 
Thanks go to Polly Anderson, our manager who has continued to do a sterling job.  She has kept the ship afloat and all those connected with the squad are extremely grateful for the work and effort she has put in.  The work of Neil Pontin, Dave Rickell and Niall Mc Nevin is also hugely appreciated - their effort in difficult circumstances is to be applauded.  Due to committments elsewhere Niall has reluctantly decided to stand down as coach, my personal thanks go to him for time he has put into this squad over the years.
 
Lastly, thanks to all parents who have supported the squad in whatever way, be it carrying out their car park or bar duties, bringing players to matches, or carrying tackle bags and post protectors in and out for the players.  The  support given is something that no team can do without - THANK YOU.
 
Dave Maloney

End of 2009 / 10 Season Awards:

Congratulations go to the following members of the under 15 squad: